What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects neurons in the brain. The disease is characterized by a loss of cognitive function and memory, as well as changes in behavior. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, and it is estimated to affect over five million Americans. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, and currently available treatments onlyAlzheimer’s Diagnosis
Life after an Alzheimer’s
Diagnosis
Alzheimer's diagnosis is very tricky. Though
the symptoms are well-known, they can also be the symptoms of other illnesses.
The only true way to diagnose Alzheimer's is to examine the post-mortem brain
for illness. MRI's are making it possible to see the Alzheimer's disease
affects in a living brain, but the truest method is still physical examination
after death.
That is not to say that there are no treatments
for Alzheimer's disease, or that a loved one will not be diagnosed with
Alzheimer's based upon the symptoms. There are many ways to treat Alzheimer's
and many ways to help delay the onset completely. There are also ways to
clinically declare an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed clinically
based upon recall, behavior changes, and a change in one's brain patterns on an
MRI. These clinical signs are extremely common to those who were found with
Alzheimer's after death, so it is reasonable to assume that one who is
displaying these signs has Alzheimer's disease. It is very common to get an
Alzheimer's diagnosis on clinical signs alone.
There are treatments and preventive measures
one can take to handle or prevent Alzheimer's disease. One such measure of
prevention is to take regular doses of vitamin E and maintain a physically and
mentally active lifestyle. Studies have shown a link between physical and
mental health, and by providing the body with exercise, as well as problem
solving skills, one is able to delay the onset of Alzheimer's.
Once Alzheimer's has set in, physical and
mental activity can slow the progression. Medication can also be prescribed to
help stabilize the condition. These medications can work in a few different
ways. There are medications that block the amino acids that destroy the nerves
and vital paths to memory and behavior. There are medications that help
strengthen the paths and recall possibilities. There are mood stabilizers to
help manage those who have not responded to the other medications.
Alzheimer’s Medications
Extending
Quality of Life with Alzheimer’s Medications
There was a time when Alzheimer’s meant a life
sentence of not remembering who people where, how to do daily chores, and
having sudden and violent mood shifts. While these symptoms of Alzheimer’s have
not ceased to exist, there are ways to slow down the Alzheimer’s progression
and provide more better days for the patient and the family. There are no cures
for Alzheimer’s disease; there is just the hope that with Alzheimer’s
medications, more good days can be added to the loved one’s life.
There are five drugs that are commonly used to
treat Alzheimer’s disease. Aricept, Cognex, Exelon, and Razadyne four out of
the five medications, and these are all Cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs
help prevent the breakdown of Acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is the
enzyme that is responsible for the connections of cells and is very important
for the recall of memorized information. Each of these four drugs has shown
significant improvements on the patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s
disease.
The last of the drugs is Namenda. This drug
helps to prevent the break down of nerves and cells by preventing glutamate
from affecting the brain and breaking down the nerves so important for mood and
behavior control as well as memory recall. This drug has been known to be most
effective for those with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
While there is no cure, and not all patients
respond to the medications, there is hope for some. This hope comes in the form
of Alzheimer’s medications that offer some hope to the hopeless cases doomed to
lose their memories and personalities to this horrific disease. With
Alzheimer’s medications, the affects of the disease may be slowed
significantly, and in some instances, stopped all together. While it would nice
to say that these medications are guarantees, this is not the case, and should
not be viewed as such. One’s doctor would be able to assist one with making the
best choices for the loved ones and handling the pain that comes with having a
member of the family stricken with this terrible disease.
Alzheimer's Support
Alzheimer's support: How to help someone with Alzheimer's Disease
Finding out that someone you love has
Alzheimer's Disease can be an overwhelming experience. As a caretaker, is there
anything you can do to help your loved one cope with the diagnosis?
Fortunately, you can be a valuable source of Alzheimer's support as they adjust
to the new realities of their lives. Whether your loved one lives at home or
moves to a facility where they can be more closely monitored, here are some
tips for helping them through the stages of the illness:
1.
Listen
No matter what stage of Alzheimer's your loved
one is in, they can always benefit from sharing their thoughts and feelings
with someone who cares. Whether they want to tell you stories from days gone by
or discuss the ramifications of having Alzheimer's, giving them one a green
light to talk about whatever is on their mind helps in two ways. First, it
offers them an opportunity to practice their communication skills. Alzheimer's
Disease sometimes compromises language skills, so verbalizing thoughts and feelings
is a mental exercise which can be of benefit. Secondly, letting them know that
you want to communicate helps them continue to feel connected to you at a time
when they may begin to feel isolated.
2.
Encourage communication
While listening is probably the most important
part of communicating with your loved one, by responding to them in an
appropriate manner, you can also help them explore and express their feelings
on a deeper level. If Alzheimer's has not had an adverse affect your loved
one's verbal skills and they can communicate without becoming frustrated, you
can ask open-ended questions designed to get them to really think about their
responses. On the other hand, if you see your loved one struggling to find
words or if they appear to become frustrated while trying to speak, you can ask
simple yes and no questions to help them get their message across.
3.
Expect change
Alzheimer's is a progressive, degenerative
disease which affects everyone differently. Sometimes the only thing caregivers
can rely on is that there is nothing they can rely on. Your loved one's needs,
emotions and independence will change from week to week, sometimes even from
hour to hour. Someone who seems to be having an unusually good day in the
morning can have an unusually rough evening on the same day. Be prepared for
changes and seek out reliable medical advice so you're not caught off guard
when they occur.
4. Be
there
No one can dispute that it's difficult to watch
someone you care about lose their sense of self or independence. But as hard as
it is for caregivers, it is even more difficult for people with Alzheimer's to
see the people they've counted on suddenly disappear. If distance or other
commitments make it hard to keep in touch, try to remain in contact by phone,
but be careful not to avoid the person you care about.
5. Be
prepared to forgive
As Alzheimer's progresses and your loved one
gives up more of their freedom, they may become frustrated. Sometimes the
frustration is vented in the presence of those closest to them, but it doesn't
mean they're angry at you. While these expressions may be difficult to cope
with, remember that your loved one is going through a difficult journey and is
facing many end-of-life issues. Any outburst they might have will have little
or nothing to do with you and will likely be forgotten by them in the future.
Learn to expect such challenges and overcome them with love and understanding.
As you provide Alzheimer's support for your
loved one, remember that it is also important for you to continue taking care
of yourself. Adequate sleep and a good diet will are essential when dealing
with any kind of stress and taking proper care of yourself will go a long way
to help you take better care of your loved one.
Alzheimer's Caregivers
Sources of Support for Alzheimer's Caregivers
Being the primary caregiver for someone with
Alzheimer's Disease can be physically and emotionally draining. Over time,
Alzheimer's Disease alters a person's mental abilities, behaviors, independence
and physical abilities. Research has shown that the constantly changing needs
of people with the disease can take an enormous toll on caregivers. Studies
show that the risk for illness and depression among Alzheimer's caregivers
increases significantly, especially when caregivers don't receive adequate
support from family, friends or community resources. The stresses related to
caring for patients with Alzheimer's Disease can be such a burden that
sometimes caregivers are referred to as "hidden" patients.
Caregivers of people with Alzheimer's will have
frequent contact with their loved one's physician, so it's important to feel
comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification when information is
unclear. The following tips can improve communication with medical staff:
1.
Rephrase important points
If you're unclear on a specific point, try
putting it into your own words and repeating it back to the doctor as you
understand it. This alerts the medical staff to any misunderstandings you may
have and allows them to clarify important information. If you still have
questions after you leave the office, don't be afraid to call later. Remember
that the doctor is your employee and it is their job to provide your loved one
with the best care possible.
2.
Write notes
If you need help remembering terminology used
by medical doctors, don't be afraid to write notes for future reference. It's
also a good idea to write questions prior to appointments. It's often all too
easy to get wrapped up in the moment during medical visits and forget the
things you may have wanted to ask while you were at home.
As you provide care for your loved one, you may
find that, as their condition worsens, your own health suffers. Studies
indicate that as many as half of all primary caregivers experience significant
psychological stress which can include depression. It's easy to become so
focused on your loved one that you neglect your own health. In order to provide
the best care possible, you'll need to monitor your own health. Symptoms of stress
can include denial, anger, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, exhaustion,
sleeplessness, irritability, lack of concentration and health problems. If you
feel overwhelmed, contact your health care provider immediately.
Caregivers often experience five different
emotional stages as they care for a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease. The
stages can occur in any order and some may overlap.
1.
Denial
It's human nature to struggle when coming to
grips with life-altering bad news. Managing denial can be easier when
caregivers are educated about what to expect next, as it's often fear of the
unknown which makes some people want to deny the truth. Being forewarned helps
prepare caregivers to manage events as they occur.
2.
Over-involvement
Caregivers sometimes feel an immense
responsibility to care for every need of their loved one. Adult children often
feel that, because their parents cared for them through childhood, they are
obligated to meet their parents' needs now. It's an unrealistic expectation
because many adult children of Alzheimer's patients are still raising their own
children and may also be trying to fit in a job plus obligations to their
communities. Recognizing that there are in-home services available to help care
for people with Alzheimer's is only part of the solution to reducing
over-involvement. Accepting the help is essential.
3.
Anger
Alzheimer's Disease is progressive by nature,
so even with excellent care, patients with Alzheimer's will eventually
deteriorate. For some caregivers, witnessing continued deterioration despite
giving their best efforts and sacrificing much in the process, can cause
frustration and anger. For others, scars from the past can resurface as caring
for their loved one takes a toll on their resources including everything from
finances to quality of sleep. Finding a support group can help caregivers vent
their frustrations in a healthy and supportive environment. Support groups are
available in nearly every city across the country.
4.
Guilt
People who experience anger may later feel
guilty. For others, guilt is not a problem until they are faced with the
reality that they may have to ask for additional help to keep their loved one
in a safe environment where they will receive the kind of care they deserve.
Support from family and friends who understand how difficult the decisions are
can go a long way toward relieving guilt. It may also help to seek help from a
local Alzheimer's support group.
5.
Acceptance
Most caregivers will experience acceptance when
they understand the impact Alzheimer's has on patients and caregivers. Support
and education can move caregivers toward acceptance.
Few journeys in life will be more stressful or
demanding than caring for someone with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's caregivers must
learn how to cope with their own feelings about what is happening to their
loved ones while continuing to provide the best care possible. Caregivers who
educate themselves and who learn to accept help from available resources often
handle the inevitable stress that comes with caring for someone with
Alzheimer's Disease the best.
Alzheimer's Symptoms
Alzheimer's Symptoms: Early Warning Signs
Many people experience memory disturbances at
some point in their lives. It is not unusual for people of all ages to forget
the name of a book they just finished, where they put their wallet or even why
they went to the grocery store. Age tends to intensify memory problems, making
it hard to determine whether they're a natural part of the aging process or
something more serious, but Alzheimer's symptoms are more significant than
forgetting someone's name.
In general, people suffering from Alzheimer's
Disease suffer from forgetfulness which makes it difficult or impossible for
them to complete the simple tasks of daily living. Someone who is forgetful
might not remember that they placed their car keys next to the computer, but
someone in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease may repeatedly put the keys
in inappropriate places, such as inside the cupboard or the refrigerator. A
person with Alzheimer's may put toothpaste on their toothbrush, but forget to
brush their teeth. Then, when they find their toothbrush later, they may have
no memory of how the toothpaste got there.
Some people with Alzheimer's will dress
inappropriately for weather conditions. They may wear a raincoat on a sunny
day. They might venture outside in the winter time with only a robe and
slippers, or they might pile layers of clothing on when it's 90 degrees
outside.
Loss of time and space might also indicate
Alzheimer's Disease. People with Alzheimer's may know that it's 3 o'clock, but
not have any idea whether it's 3 a.m. or 3 p.m. Someone who gets lost driving
two miles to the grocery store when it's a route they've taken for 30 years may
be in the early stages of Alzheimer's.
People with Alzheimer's Disease may struggle to
recognize significant people in their lives. While everyone occasionally
forgets a name, people with Alzheimer's might forget a co-worker's name in
addition to the fact that they are a co-worker, making them seem like a virtual
stranger.
Difficulty in communication can also be an
early sign of Alzheimer's Disease. A person with Alzheimer's may know that they
want to say, "It was a red car," but be completely unable to remember
the word "red." Problems with communication can become obvious when
someone abruptly stops speaking in mid-sentence and appears to be searching for
a word or becomes agitated and frustrated.
Especially in the early stages of the disease,
Alzheimer's symptoms can mimic the aging process, but in cases where memory
loss interferes with a person's quality of life, the best course of action is
to seek the advice of a physician.
Alzheimer’s help
Alzheimer’s
Help for Patients and Family
Alzheimer’s disease can be a terrible burden on
the patient, caretaker, and family. Alzheimer’s disease comes with many
horrific tales of the victim not remembering his or her own children. There are
stories where sweet old men become dirty old men. There are stories where
simple processes one never thought anyone could forget, like eating, are
forgotten. Unfortunately, all of these stories are true and non-embellished.
There is Alzheimer’s help for all those who
have been affected by this disease. There are counselors who can deal with the
patient to ease the fear that he or she may have of the upcoming changes in
their psychological nature. There is help for the caretaker in dealing with the
depression and abuse that is so common when dealing with an Alzheimer patient.
There is help for the mother who must explain the situation to the
grandchildren, and there is help for the grandchildren. One simply has to ask
for it.
Help never walks up and says that one needs
assistance; help must be sought, before it is too late and the depressions of a
situation with no silver lining strikes. There are many people who have dealt
with Alzheimer’s, many who have watched it destroy many members of their
family. These people often wish nothing more than for the disease to simply
vanish. Since this is not an option, they try to ease the burden on those who
must suffer through Alzheimer’s with the patient.
Alzheimer’s help is often in the form of a
support group. This support group assists the members of that group in
realizing that the most important thing to do is to take care of themselves and
to cherish the time they have. This can be very difficult for anyone going
through this pain, which is why a support group is so important. With a single
person, it is easy to fall into despair, with many, it is more difficult. One’s
priest may be of assistance if the group support is not to one’s liking. In
this method, a trusted priest would explain and help one deal with Alzheimer’s
disease. The final method is the doctor. This method is great if discussing
with others proves fruitless.
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Alzheimer's Foundation of America:
No One Should Face Alzheimer's Alone
The mission statement of The Alzheimer's
Foundation of America is "to provide optimal care and services to
individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families—through
member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life." The AFA
consists of a variety of organizations which seek to provide a high quality of
care to people with Alzheimer's as well as their caregivers and families. The
AFA was founded in February 2002 and supports and promotes education,
resources, program design and implementation, fundraising campaigns and
advocacy for Alzheimer's Disease.
One of the primary goals of the AFA is to link
various Alzheimer's organizations. Through a collaborative effort, the AFA
seeks ways to fulfill their slogan which is "together for care.... in
addition to cure." Through increasing awareness of Alzheimer's and
educating people about the disease, the AFA attempts to meet four goals which
include decreasing the stigma of the disease, promoting early detection and
proper treatment, increasing utilization of community resources and improving
the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients and their families.
A unique service offered by the AFA is its
"Excellence in Care" program. Through this initiative, the AFA is
working to establish a standard of excellence throughout the nation for
facilities which specialize in providing Alzheimer's care. To receive the
Excellence in Care distinction, a facility must invite the AFA to do an on-site
analysis of their building(s), medical care and programs. The comprehensive
review includes evaluations of safety and security measures, whether or not the
environment provides proper sensory stimuli including auditory, visual and
olfactory, interpersonal involvement of staff with patients and how
knowledgeable the staff is in dealing with the special needs of patients suffering
from dementia.
The AFA offers a toll-free hotline which is
staffed by professionals who can help link callers to community resources near
them for help. The hotline, which can be reached by calling (800) AFA-8484,
observes regular business hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At
other times, callers can leave a message and a counselor will contact them.
The AFA publishes a free, quarterly magazine
for caregivers called "Care ADvantage." Articles in Care ADvantage
are written by authors who are recognized as experts in their fields. The
current issue and past articles from Care ADvantage can be accessed through the
AFA site.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association: Dedicated to a World without Alzheimer's
Disease
The Alzheimer’s Association is an organization
of volunteers which provides information, education and support for people
whose lives are touched with Alzheimer’s Disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association’s national office
is located in Chicago, Ill. Originally called The Alzheimer’s Disease and
Related Disorders Association, the agency was incorporated in 1980 under
president, Jerome Stone. At that time, there was no office in Chicago and the
seven founding offices were located in Boston, Mass; Columbus, Ohio;
Minneapolis, Minn.; New York, NY; Pittsburgh, Penn.; San Francisco, Calif. and
Seattle, Wash. Since that time, the organization has sought ways to provide
support and services for people with Alzheimer’s Disease, including the
foundation of its own research program.
Some of the Alzheimer’s
Association programs and services include:
24-hour
hotline:
The hotline offers referrals, information and
support in 140 languages. It can be reached by calling (800) 272-3900.
Local chapters:
Across the nation, The Alzheimer’s Association
has local chapters which provide support groups, referral services and
education. To find a local chapter, call the hotline at (800) 272-3900.
Online community:
People from across the country can join the
online community and meet others who can share their experiences living with
Alzheimer’s Disease.
Medic Alert and Safe Return program:
The Medic Alert and Safe Return program helps
increase the likelihood that a person with Alzheimer’s who becomes lost will be
reunited with his or her caregiver quickly and safely. For an enrollment fee of
$49.95, the program provides a Medic Alert identification tag with allergy
information on it, an individual identification number, as well as a toll-free
telephone number to call when the individual is located. The hotline is staffed
24-hours per day and when there is notification that a lost individual has been
located, the hotline notifies caregivers immediately. After the first year, the
program can be renewed at a cost of $25.
The
Green-Field Library:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest
provider of free library services which specifically deal with Alzheimer’s
Disease. The library offers services in nearly 20 languages and has books,
DVDs, CDs, magazines, audio cassettes and other media.
CareSource:
CareSource is an online resource designed to
provide education and support for people caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
The Web site has a home locator to help find licensed housing for people with
Alzheimer’s. Helping Hands provides an online calendar designed to help
caregivers coordinate and organize their schedules. Carefinder helps determine
the type of care which best suits the specific needs of Alzheimer’s patients
and provides tips for caregivers to identify good care, plus how to communicate
with medical staff. An online message board connects caregivers across the
country and gives them chance to share what they’ve learned. The Caregiving 101
portal helps caregivers learn techniques for helping their loved ones and
contains up-to-date information on the newest methods.
Alzheimer’s Treatments
Natural and Medical Alzheimer’s Treatments
Alzheimer’s disease was once thought to be
untreatable. Now, as science’s knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease grows,
Alzheimer’s treatments are being developed and implemented every day. The most
common and easiest of these treatments is enrichment, although there are now
medications that can slow or even halt the progression of the disease, allowing
for better days with loved ones.
A said, the most common and easily practiced
form of Alzheimer’s disease is enrichment. When one hears the word enrichment,
the thought of an animal penned in a zoo cage with a block of ice as
entertainment. This is enrichment, but for people it can be significantly more
complex. For adult human’s, enrichment can include crossword puzzles, suduku,
and other intellectual games. Taking a walk and experiencing new and exciting
things are also great ways to enrich the life of an Alzheimer’s patient.
Medications are also becoming a widely accepted
member of Alzheimer’s treatments. These medications work to slow the
deterioration of the brain on a physical level. These controls are not
affective for everyone, but for those in whom it is effective in, the results
are generally within the week and significant. These medications do have nasty
side effects that the enrichment by nature would not have. These side effects
include dizziness, nausea, weight loss, and a lower blood pressure. This is a
lot to risk with someone who is already weak from the disease. Enrichment may
be the best starting answer.
Mood stabilizing drugs are also often seen as
Alzheimer’s treatments. This is because as Alzheimer’s disease progresses,
keeping one’s moods from shifting, sometimes violently, can become extremely
difficult. These medications help to control these shifts and allow some peace
for those caring for the patient and for the patient him or herself.
As the medical field advances the knowledge and
understanding of Alzheimer’s, the treatment options will only increase.
Eventually it will not be a matter of treating Alzheimer’s; it will be a matter
of curing the disease and reversing the damage previously done by the disease.
Alzheimer’s research
Methods of Study in the Alzheimer’s Research
Alzheimer’s research is steadily growing in the
amount of knowledge gleaned from various experiments and studies. Alzheimer’s
has gone from a complete enema to something that can be predicted and traced in
the family line. While it was once thought that the forgetting behavior was a
psychological impairment of the elderly, it has now been found to have a very
physical cause, one that can be slowed or even in some cases, stopped.
While most Alzheimer’s research is done after
the death of the patient, there are also research studies done on the patient
while he or she is still alive. One of the biggest and oldest of these studies
is a study of a grouping of nuns that hoped to see if environment played a
factor in the development of Alzheimer’s. The reason that nuns were used in
this experiment was for the similarities of lifestyle, food, and education.
This meant that if one should get Alzheimer’s, the whole of the nunnery would
potentially get it for sharing the same environment. It was found that the
environment was not the cause or preventative for Alzheimer’s since the same
percentage of the nuns got the disease verse those outsider of the nunnery.
A very common style of Alzheimer’s research is
the brain scan. Damaged areas of the brain show up well on a scan of the brain
and these changes can be tracked to better understand how the disease destroys
the brain. By understanding how the disease works, one is able to develop a
preventive or at least treatable method for controlling the disease. These
brain scans are often done at the first sign of Alzheimer’s and can often
continue up until the burial of the patient. The brain, even dead, is scanned
for clues as to handle and prevent the disease.
Though a cure for Alzheimer’s has not yet been
developed and tested, there are medications to treat the disease. Through
further Alzheimer’s research, a cure or prevention can and will be discovered.
